Warning Lights And Car Repair 101Your vehicle may need car repair if warning lights are flashing. When your lights are flashing to alert you of trouble with your brakes, temperature, engine, alternator or oil pressure, you better pay attention. Some vehicles have generalized message such as "maintenance is needed." Motorists have been known to disconnect these flashing alerts because they find them to be pesky and bothersome. That is a huge mistake! These lit warnings are meant to be heeded. Here are some things to think about: - Brake lights: Did you check your emergency parking brake? Perhaps you set it and forgot to release it. If not, more investigation into the trouble will be needed. There could be a problem with the pedal or switch. If these flashers go off when you put your foot on the brakes, there could be a leak in the master cylinder fluids. It could also mean that hydraulic pressure isn't operating correctly. Brakes are crucial to safe driving; if your vehicle is telling you there's a problem with them, you must get it into the shop for car repair ASAP. - Temperature warning: This message is telling you that your vehicle is overheating. If you ignore it, you could seriously damage your engine. Pull over, let it cool off before investigating. If there's trouble brewing in your radiator, opening it while hot could be a dangerous proposition. Wait at least an hour before you unscrew that lid. If you've run out of fluids or coolant, you can replace them eventually. If you can't figure out what the problem is, get it into the shop for car repair. - Alternator warnings: Faulty alternators mean that something is amiss with the charging system. It could also mean that the light switch is faulty, but a motorist shouldn't take any chances. If the alternator goes bad, it's only a matter of time before other components follow suit. Get it into the garage. - Oil pressure alert: This could mean several things including a broken switch, low fluids or trouble with the sending system. If oil is low, you may be burning it or have a leak. If this light is accompanied by banging and clanging sounds, even driving it to the gas station could spell engine damage. You may have to resort to having it towed. - Check engine notification: When your dash flashes "check engine," it could be serious or minor. Minor difficulties could include a loose gas cap. Did you forget to replace yours when you gassed up? If that's not the problem, it could be any number of issues. A mechanic will be able to check out the "fault codes" and diagnose the trouble when you bring it in. This is definitely not a message to ignore or you may find yourself with a hefty repair bill on your hands. Get it into the shop as soon as possible. When a motorist notices any number of flashing alerts on the dashboard such as for brakes, temperature, alternator, oil pressure or engine, he or she better pay attention. Car repair is likely needed and the sooner the better. ...